ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday expressed condolences to the government and people of Ethiopia over the devastating floods and landslides in the country.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Ethiopia and expressed the country’s readiness to extend assistance in any way possible.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected communities, and we commend the efforts of the Ethiopian authorities who are working tirelessly to assist those in need,” he said in a statement.
State broadcaster APP reported that the a three-day national mourning period has also been declared after a landslide in the Gamo Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State.
Al Jazeera reported that the death toll from landslides and flooding in the Gamo Zone of southern Ethiopia has risen to at least 64, with dozens more people missing, police have said.
Mudslides and floods caused by heavy rainfall are common in Ethiopia, especially during the rainy season.
Pakistan is also recognized as one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change effects. Recently, it has suffered from droughts, heatwaves and severe floods.
At least 1,000 people were killed in Pakistan last year amid the monsoon season due to excessive rain and flood waters released by Indian dams.
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